Effect of Different Fiber Sources as Additives to Wet Food for Beagle Dogs on Diet Acceptance, Digestibility, and Fecal Quality

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Obesity in dogs is a common problem that can have a negative impact on the health and welfare of these animals. For weight reduction, commercial diets with fibrous ingredients are produced. Because of the added fiber, energy intake can be reduced, and the feeling of satiety can be promoted. Cellulose is a common dietary fiber used mainly in powdered form; however, other processing forms or additives are available. This work aimed to investigate the influences of various types of fibers on palatability, apparent total tract digestibility, and fecal quality in dogs. Four different diets were fed to eight dogs for 14 days each. In addition to a basic diet without added fiber (control group), three experimental diets with the following fiber sources were fed: powdered cellulose, granulated cellulose, and lignocellulose. The study showed that all fiber supplements led equally to a reduction in energy intake compared with the basal diet, without affecting palatability. Fecal quality was not negatively affected by the fiber supplements; only wet fecal excretion was higher in the fiber groups than in the control groups. This study demonstrated that other fiber sources, such as granulated cellulose or lignocellulose, can be used as an alternative to cellulose without limitations. ABSTRACT: In order to enhance the health and welfare of obese dogs and to facilitate the required loss of body weight, commercial diets are produced with fibrous ingredients. Cellulose is a common dietary fiber used mainly in powdered form. However, other processing forms and fibers are available as fibrous additives. This work aimed to test the effects of different fiber sources on apparent total tract digestibility and fecal quality in dogs. Four diets were fed to eight dogs (experimental design: 4 × 4 Latin square) for a 14-day period each. In addition to a basal diet (CO), three experimental diets varying in fiber sources were used: powdered cellulose (CE), granulated cellulose (GC), and lignocellulose (LC). Dogs fed the CO had lower crude fiber digestibility than those fed the other experimental diets (p < 0.0033). Dogs fed diets supplemented with fiber sources had lower gross energy digestibility (range: 76.2–77.3%) compared with those fed the CO (84.4%). In all groups, the fecal score (consistency and shape) ranged within the optimal values; solely wet fecal output was increased for the fiber groups compared with those on the CO. This study demonstrated that various sources of fiber such as GC and LC can be used as alternatives to CE without restrictions.